So much to do along this lovely part of South Australia that you could almost forget the dazzling stretch of coast itself, with its long beaches and birdlife and sea creatures. But please don't overlook it as you take in the other features of this area.

The Blue Lake in Mount Gambier occupies one of the craters of the extinct volcano after which the city has been named.

Early each November, the lake's sombre blue, which is in evidence during the winter months, mysteriously changes to an intense deep turquoise blue almost overnight. The colouring remains until late February, when it gradually changes. From late March, it returns to a distinct sombre blue colouring that remains until the following November.

The 3.6 kilometre road and walking track around the circumference of the Blue Lake provides access to many viewing points, the most popular being the underpass between the Blue Lake and the Leg of Mutton Lake.

Aquifer Tours operate a fascinating 45 minute tour which takes visitors in a glass panelled lift down the original dolomite well shaft, from which water was originally extracted, through a tunnel to see the Blue Lake at close proximity. Learn about the hydrology of Mount Gambier's water supply and the aquifer system. Hear the interesting stories of local history, European settlement, folklore and Aboriginal legend. Daily tours are available, contact the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre for further information.

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The Tantanoola Caves are hidden beneath an unassuming cliff-face 20 minutes’ drive from Mount Gambier. This magical cave adorned by stalactites and stalagmites was once an ancient shoreline, the sea having long since receded, leaving behind a 30-metre-wide chamber adorned with pink and brown dolomite crystals. 

Tantanoola Cave’s impressive interior has been thousands of years in the making with countless hanging stalactites and floor-to-ceiling crystal columns making it one of Australia’s most beautiful caves.

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Cradled beneath the earth’s surface lies a real-life Garden of Eden, also known as Umpherston Sinkhole. The ancient limestone walls of this subterranean oasis have been corroding for millions of years, creating the perfect flower pot for a few local green thumbs to toil.

The result? A beautiful sunken garden blanketed with flowers, plants, lush green grass and palm trees bursting just above ground level. Appreciate its size and depth from the viewing platforms at the top of the sinkhole, venture down into its depths, along the terraces and behind the hanging vines, or stick around after sunset and meet some of the friendly possums emerging daily at dusk.

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